Community awards

The ducks are quacking thanks to Nancy Black.
Over the past 16 years, the Aurora resident has started two local swim clubs, aimed at helping adults and athletes living with developmental disabilities stay healthy and active.
Called the Master Ducks and the Special Ducks, respectively, the clubs have made a difference in the lives of many residents.
The Special Ducks are linked with Special Olympics Ontario — Aurora and will be expanding to include softball, basketball and golf programs in 2013.
The town recognized Ms Black for those achievements — along with her time as a volunteer at Community and Home Assistance to Seniors and Our Lady of Grace Parish — at its annual community recognition awards ceremony at town hall Thursday.
The town honoured 60 individuals and two groups for outstanding work in the community.
Ms Black received the individual outstanding achievement award.
“I like to give back to the community,” she said, cradling a plaque of recognition after the ceremony. “The Special Ducks program was created because our swim club wanted to give back to the community.”
The Master Ducks took the lead in coaching the Special Ducks at first, she said.
“It has morphed into more,” she said. “Once you start working with Special Olympics, you want to do more.”
Some other award recipients said they were overwhelmed by the recognition.
Girl Guides of Canada volunteer leader Marion Lougheed was recognized for 35 years of service.
For her, the Girl Guides have become part of the family.
Although she doesn’t have a daughter, her mother, three sisters and four nieces have been involved with the organization and she has helped raise and teach many local girls.
“I started as a youth member and fell in love with the organization,” Ms Lougheed said. “It’s been a family affair. For me, the most satisfying part is seeing the changes in the girls. I’ve watched the shy, little one become the most enthusiastic member of the unit.
“We give them the skills they may not get anywhere else.”
During the ceremony, volunteers were recognized for five, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 35 years of service to the community. Residents and groups were also presented with civic appreciation, good neighbour, cultural achievement, outstanding achievement, youth and community organization awards.
It is important to recognize the positive work demonstrated by residents, Mayor Geoff Dawe said.
“The volunteers in our town share a common vision,” he said. “They strengthen our community, and enrich the lives of our residents. A volunteer’s commitment of time, effort and caring is one of the most selfless things a person can do. They set standards of social responsibility and good character.”